Tattoos are supposed to last forever but life changes or some personal decisions or even career chances often compel individuals to clear the tattoos. Black tattoos are comparatively easy to rehabilitate as they react to laser; however, colored tattoos have always been more challenging to remove. But can colored tattoos really be removed? What can we honestly say is possible with the current technology? Let’s explore the truth behind what is possible with today’s technology.
Why Are Colored Tattoos Harder to Remove?
- Laser tattoo procedure involves focusing the light, which then fragments the ink particles into minuscule particles, after which the body subsequently uses that energy to eliminate the particles.
- All wavelengths of light are absorbed by black ink, which is hence the most readily targeted and removed.
- The most stubborn are those with green, yellow, and turquoise colors due to their inability to absorb the common laser power effectively.
- Red and orange colours are curable or can even require a greater period to diminish than black.
- The darker blues (purple) react more readily; nonetheless, it can take numerous subsequent sessions even with the lighter versions of the same color.
- Advanced types of laser technologies enable more efficient treatment of various pigments by certified tattoo removal in Melbourne, VIC.
What Color tattoos cannot Be Removed?
Using modern technology, it is possible to significantly fade most of the tattoos today but one cannot remove all of them. Neon or fluorescent inks may be hard to get out due to the chemical makeup and bright yellow, white, or some pastel greens or blues are very difficult to remove as well. These colors can also produce a faint shadow or so-called ghost image of the initial design even after several treatments. In spite of this, professional treatment can make tattoos less conspicuous, making them difficult to notice.
Can You Go Over a Tattoo With a Different Color?
The other alternative is covering your tattoo with new ink in case it has pigments that are too hard to remove. This is called a tattoo cover-up, meaning that a new tattoo is prepared on top of the older one, most often utilizing the darker colourings, which can successfully disguise the older colours. When total removal is not a possibility or feasible, cover-ups may prove to be a very good alternative. Experienced tattooists may rework a fading tattoo that the wearer does not want and create a new design, particularly in combination with partial laser fading.
How Many Sessions Are Needed for Colored Tattoo Removal?
The sessions required for tattoo removal are varied based on the depth of inks, the colors taken, the size of the tattoo and the kind of skin of the person. Black tattoos can take five to ten sessions, red, purple and darker blue tattoos seven to eight at least, and lighter blue tattoos around ten to twelve. Faint ink colors like green, yellow, and turquoise can require as many as ten sessions and there still might be a few specks of ink left on the paper.
Another point should be mentioned: tattoo removal cannot be hastened. A time interval of six to eight weeks between each session is necessary so that the skin can have time to heal and the body to metabolize the ink particles. Trying to receive treatment immediately after each other poses the danger of scarring and side effects.
Advanced Technology Makes a Difference
The earlier types of lasers, including fine-second Q-switched systems, showed only modest success on colored tattoos, and could be ineffective with variable results after numerous sessions. The advent of picosecond lasers: PicoSure, PicoWay, etc., has vastly enhanced success with non-removing colors. The pulses given by these lasers are very rapid and they scatter ink into tiny fragments that are more easily removed by body fluids.
Picosecond technology is particularly apt for pigments that were previously under-treated, especially greens, yellows and light blues. Their more accurate targeting of inks and fewer harmful effects on the surrounding skin have seen them become the standard of professional tattoo removal. Selecting a clinic with such developed systems will mean a higher probability of getting clear skin and having fewer risks and a shorter recovery period.
FAQs
Can all tattoo colors be removed?
Most colors fade well, but neon, white, and yellow inks are the hardest to remove fully.
Is colored tattoo removal painful?
It feels like rubber bands snapping on the skin, but numbing creams and cooling devices help ease discomfort.
How much does it cost to remove colored tattoos?
Costs vary by tattoo size, color, and sessions with multi-coloured tattoos usually costing more than black ones.
Is it safer to use home remedies than lasers?
No, laser removal is safest and most effective, while home remedies can be ineffective and cause skin damage.
